In the battle for RK's endorsement there are three choices:
  1. Margi Vanderhye
  2. Rip Sullivan
  3. No Endorsement

* Neither candidate currently holds this seat.  The incumbent is a Republican and for obvious reasons is not part of this process.

If you choose one of the two candidates you are saying that you'd like the Raising Kaine Community to take sides and endorse that candidate. 

If you are not sure, are neutral, or would prefer that RK not endorse either candidate, please select "No Endorsement".  A "No Endorsement" is not an abstention - it is a vote for the RK Community NOT to take sides in this primary.  If you want to abstain, don't vote.

When the poll closes the option with the most votes becomes the "community vote".

Here are a few links that you may find helpful for this vote:

RK: Vanderhye-Sullivan Debate (blog talk radio)
RK: Vanderhye-Sullivan Debate (video)
RK: Margi Vanderhye Live Blog
RK: Rip Sullivan Live Blog

Vanderhye's Virginia Public Access Project page
Vanderhye's Campaign Website

Sullivan's Virginia Public Access Project page
Sullivan's Campaign Website

There are other diary posts on RK that discuss Vanderhye and/or Sullivan.  We highly recommend that you use the "Search" box (also on the left side bar) to find out more information about these two candidates before voting.

The rules are simple:
1. To vote you must have a Raising Kaine account
2. One vote per person... NO FREEPING (To skew or cheat an online poll by repeatedly voting (clearing cookies, using proxies))

Our blog software, soapblox, will not allow more than one vote per account so the one vote per person rule will be automatically enforced.  Right?  Not Exactly.  The internet savvy will realize that there is a loophole - an individual can create more than one account and therefore freep the poll.  In fact, there are a few RK users who already have more than one account.  Creating extra accounts to freep the poll is not allowed and will not be tolerated.  I'm not going to go into details about how we will police this activity, but we have the means and will be policing it.  If you are caught freeping, ALL of your votes will be thrown out - even your one allowed vote - and you may be excluded from future votes as well.

I vote for Rip.

You're more than welcome to vote any way you'd like for any reason, but for those who haven't made up their minds, what motivated you to vote for Rip?

I conducted a little experiment.  I went to both Rip and Margi's websites and signed up online for updates and to volunteer.  Within 48 hours I recieved a response from Margi's campaign with a personalized request for me to come volunteer for the candidate.  It's been over a week and a half now and I still have recieved no response from Rip's campaign - no request to volunteer, no newsletter, no nothing.  Take from this what you will, but I think that an efficient organization will be important to win this seat in November and for that reason I'm endorsing Margi.  I can't be bothered to endorse a candidate who can't be bothered to respond to a volunteer. 

That seems odd to me, so I checked with my field director, and he has called or emailed all of the people who signed up to volunteer on our website.  I'm sorry that there was some sort of system failure that led to you not getting that response.

I am very proud of the game we are running on the ground.  In fact, we knocked on more than 400 doors just this past weekend.  I apologize for whatever happened leading to you not getting a response, but I assure you if you sign up again, you can be.

considering that I recieved two automated email verifications from your website and replied to each.

Take a look at the fundraising numbers.  From this very website: "In House of Delegates Democratic primaries, Rip Sullivan ($81,136) outraised his opponent Margi Vanderhye ($37,700) by more than a 2:1 margin...".

Even with a large donation to her own campaign ($50,000, I believe), Margi has done less with more money than Rip's campaign.  Rip has support throughout the community and I have seen many young, energetic volunteers spending weekends knocking on doors and getting the word out.

Rip has raised more and can do more with less money.  Which sounds like the more efficient campaign?

A very attractive candidate who will do an excellent job in Richmond.  Also -- you gotta respect a guy who declared before the incumbent announced that he wasn't going to run again.

Both candidates declared before Callahan announced his retirement.

Margi all the way!!

He really seems like a candidate who's not afraid of confronting the issues!

Margi Vanderhye is a hard working, energetic activist and for the past 20 years has been involved in and worked on every issue important to the citizens of this State.  Who is this guy and were has he been for the last 20 years?

If this question is an innocent request seeking more information about Rip's background, it's wonderful that Margi's supporters want to learn more about him! 

But if it's a thinly veiled attack on Rip for spending more than 20 years as a parent, earning a living, and helping the homeless in Fairfax County get back on their feet through Homestretch, expanding legal services for those who need it, and creating the National Institute of Peace, it's wrong and it should stop.  That kind of question demeans Rip's work and all the Democratic Party stands for - families and a better future for our children, support for workers, and fighting for economic fairness, opportunity, and peace. 

Moreover, it implies that the only way to pursue Democratic principles is to work for the party.  That would be news to all who make their contributions through their church, synagogue, or mosque, the Sierra Club, NARAL, NAACP or hundreds of other organizations that are working to make the world a better place and whose members provide a lot of support for Democrats on Election Day. 

Instead, let's celebrate that both of these candidates have excellent records of serving the community.

I support Rip Sullivan because he has actually had a job for the last twenty years, has three kids in local public schools and done more pro-bono law work than many lawyers I know. He's a good guy.

Rip "actually had a job"?  Are you trying to imply that a woman raising her children, being a community activist, serving on boards, working on campaigns, being on commissions was not having a job?
 

Why?  It's all about the Benjamins, baby.  Margi only raised about 42% of what Sullivan was able to raise.  And he's spent about half of what Margi has.  In the end, it'll take money to beat Hunt.  Money that, it appears, Rip will have.

Its a bit of an embarassment of riches with two good candidates.  But Rip's real-world experience and record as an advocate put him over the top, and will lead him to victory in November over Hunt.

Margi has over 20 years worth of experience being involved in and working for our community.  I repeat, until Rip put his name out, I had never heard of him, or known him to have been on the front lines working for our community. What has he been an advocate for???

Frankly, I hadn't heard of Margi until I got involved in politics, and know she is very active in those pursuits.  While political boards, committees and campaigns can be good things, I value experience in the world outside of politics far more, and this is where Rip stands head and shoulders above many others -- in the "real world."

Rip is an accomplished attorney; one of the best in Northern Virginia.  He is a leader in pro bono work, serving on the Board of Legal Services for years.  He is a officer in Homestretch, one of the most effective organizations working against homelessness in the area.  And he did much good before even becoming an attorney, helping to found the United States Institute for Peace.  He did this work long before running for political office, and did a great deal of good for many people.  I'm surprised you haven't heard of him -- you'd be in the minority in the McLean area.  I hope he'll be allowed to bring these skills and life experience into the General Assembly, and bring some reality back to a body that is far too political already.

Both are great folks.  Lets stay out of it.

I've been proud to call Rip Sullivan my friend for 30 years now and am equally proud to support him as a candidate for the House of Delegates.  In an age when cynicism and mediocrity seem to dominate our politics, it's both exciting and refreshing to see a person of Rip's caliber enter the political arena. 

My dad is gonna kick Dave Hunt's butt in November! Because he is the best there ever was and is. GO DAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rip is bright, smart and principled.  I have seen this in practice as a lawyer and for years as a friend.

While Margi also appears to be a solid candidate, Rip is both a more foreful advocate and appears to have more substanive supporting backing up his positions.  I think this is more likely to translate to long term effectiveness in this position regardless of partisan climate in Richmond.

whuhahahahaha

This is way too much fun

If I was voting I would pick Vanderhye

P.S. Don't worry I'm not voting, and I won't explain either since I'm an R

I will say one thing though if Vanderhye ran a flawless campaign there is a small chance I would vote for her. with Sullivan there is no chance.

Yeah, just like the RK endorsement was the "kiss of death" for David Englin, Sally Baird, Tim Kaine, and Jim Webb.  Just awful. :)

P.S.  That's also why all these candidates and their representatives are gladly coming on RK, the RK/NLS Blog Talk Radio show, etc.

The 34th District in the Virginia House of Delegates is open for the first time in 40 years.  Given the voting record of this district - supporting Kaine, Webb, and voting No on Marshall-Newman.  There really is little question that the district will send a Democrat to Richmond this November.

Now: which one?

The two are bright Northern Virginia Democrats, and voters have no reason to dislike either one, but Margi has experience and know-how that I do not believe that Rip Sullivan can match.

As a Democrat, the most important issue to me is making Virginia blue.  As a Northern Virginian, the most important issue to me is transportation.  AS a person with a conscience, the most important issue to me is the environment.  As a resident of the 34th district, I am thankful that Margi Vanderhye will represent me well when she is elected.  She organized the Janet Howell campaign to get my Democratic senator elected.  She has worked for President Clinton and Governors Warner and Kaine on transportation.  She worked for Governor Wilder on the environment, and has solar panels on her roof!  Sullivan isn't unqualified, but how can anyone match Margi's resume?

It is a tough decision - both bright, energetic, and committed Democrats who know their stuff.  For me it comes down to November.

I'm voting for Rip in part because he is a fresh face on the scene. The elections of Mark Warner and Jim Webb have demonstrated that fresh faces are popular with Virginia voters and nothing is more important than winning this seat in November!

In addition, Rip stands up to Margi's resume. True, Margi has been involved with the Democratic Party over the years. But at the same time, Rip has been hard at work successfully advocating for many issues of great importance and value for the 34th District, the state, country, and even the world!  He's worked for peace, justice equality and the homeless through legislation, the court-system, and non-profit and volunteer efforts.  He's got a world-view, great values, and he's HAD IT with the Republicans!

That's why he's got my vote.

What I find to be very interesting is that there seem to be a lot of comments reacting to this diary by people who's aliases I don't seem to recognize as frequent participants in the blogosphere. Now that doesn't necessarily mean they don't comment here, because maybe I simply don't recognize their names. Furthermore, just because someone doesn't comment here a lot doesn't mean their not credible. New members, for instance, would gain some credibility if they were to post more substantial comments other than that a particular candidate has "real world experience" or that he's lived in the area for a long time. Unfortunately, it appears as though many commenters have decided not to give any substantial reasoning to why they want us to vote a certain way.

That being said, I know I am also not the perfect blogger. Nobody is. As I mentioned when I endorsed Margi on my site, however, I believe Margi Vanderhye is the best candidate to represent the 34th district in the House of Delegates. Margi has taken the time to reach out to the blogosphere, even before RK announced it was considering endorsing someone in the race, and has made it clear that she will fight to improve our transportation and educational systems.

Along the same lines, each time I mentioned Margi on my site, both herself and her campaign manager took the time to write me a brief thank you message. Although this might be something that is small in the whole scheme of things, but it does show that the campaign team is running smoothly and realizes the importance of reaching out to community activists..... even if it's just to say thank you. This will help her when it comes crunch time and she is asking people for a donation or their support. I know I would be more willing to donate to a campaign with great voter outreach than one that for whatever reason isn't necessarily responding to emails (see above comment written by UVAHoo who didn't receive a response to two emails written to the Sullivan campaign).

Furthermore, Margi has a significant amount of experience dealing with environmental issues (such as serving on the Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance Board) and is therefore highly qualified to address and issue (the environment) that is so important to many members of the Raising Kaine community.

If you want to know a little more about why I support Margi, feel free to read my endorsement or send me an email. I'd be more than happy to let you know the reasoning behind my decision.

Let's take a look at the numbers. Of the 9 people who have written in support of Rip Sullivan besides Rip himself, 3 of them registered today, 3 registered in the last week, and only 3 actually have long standing accounts. In other words, 2/3 of the commenters in support of Rip haven't even been active participants at RK for more than a week. What is worth noting, however, is that only one of those final three had actually written a diary here.

While I'm sure these commenters are outstanding people, I'm not sure if their comments necessarily represent those of the RK community since one can reasonably assume they registered primarily to leave extremely short and vague statements as to why they support Rip's candidacy.

and I have front page status

I lean towards Rip.  Nothing against his opponent.  She is qualified.  I happen to think that Rip's particular experience  will enable him to be more effective for the district (in which I do not live) immediately in a way his opponent will not be able to be. 

I would also be satisfied if we decide that this is a close enough issue that RK should not take a formal position, and allow participants to work for and support whom they choose, and continue to allow both candidates access to present their cases.  There is no reason we cannot continue to be that kind of forum, especially when it is clear that both candidates are more than qualified.

Just my $.02

Think Rip is the guy to back. 

Thanks TeacherKen ... your 1st paragraph leaves plenty of room for me to substitute the appropriate name and gender with ' '  .... and I can't do better than your second paragraph ....
----------------------------------

I lean towards 'Margi'.  Nothing against 'her' opponent.  'He' is qualified.  I happen to think that 'her' particular experience  will enable 'her' to be more effective for the district (in which I do not live) immediately in a way 'her' opponent will not be able to be.

I would also be satisfied if we decide that this is a close enough issue that RK should not take a formal position, and allow participants to work for and support whom they choose, and continue to allow both candidates access to present their cases.  There is no reason we cannot continue to be that kind of forum, especially when it is clear that both candidates are more than qualified.

Just my $.02

-----------------------------------
FWIW my full endorsement page is
http://www.actblue.c...

As a like-long Democrat who just registered at RK today, it seems like a good thing for Raising Kaine and the Democratic Party that Rip inspires new people to get engaged and be supportive.  We need more new people to get plugged into Democratic politics, not fewer.  Jim Webb's nomination brought tens of thousands of Republicans our way - people who can't stand how the right wing has taken over their party and who are now part of a rising tide of support for Democrats in Virginia.  If Rip, with his outstanding record of making a difference in the community, can engage a bunch more, then we should be all for it and for him!

You do have a valid point that we want more people in the discussion. The more open the discussion the better. The issue I have, is that many people are only registering to leave extremely vague messages that don't address the issues. I would love to see new members who come in and give us a paragraph or two about what skills the candidates truly have that would be able to be a good leader. Instead, I have see newer commenters register and then attack Margi for serving on boards as well as taking time away from the traditional workforce in order to be a parent. That just doesn't seem right.

So should we conclude that Rip is motivating the netroots?

I haven't decided yet...

I would say that it is the other way around. Margi has been the person who has been reaching out to the blogosphere for quite some time, even before Raising Kaine began considering giving endorsements. Just because you have a bunch of people who leave one comment, doesn't mean the candidate's inspiring the netroots.

Raising KAine isn't about a few people.  It tries to represent the entire progressive voice of Virginia.  That's everybody, no matter when they join.  You are perfectly welcome to encourage Margi's supporters to sign up and vote for her!  (At least, I think that's okay, right Lowell?)

Having said that, we of course encourage new people who sign up to tell us what they think and to stick around for a while, not just vote and disappear.  Thanks.

Plus she simply sounds very intelligent and well-versed on the issues, and the strategies for making them into laws.

Rip constantly talked all about himself and little on the issues in the debate I watched--all the time.

Margi will make a good listener and a fabulous delegate.

Two very good candidates, but my vote is Rip.  I have had the opportunity to work with him in professional and community volunteer capacities and been impressed with his intellect, passion, and ability to work with diverse groups.

I second all the endorsements of Rip. He has a commitment to community and the right values. I know him and members of his family. He is an excellent choice -- the best choice -- for the district.

It is obvious that Sullivan can and will make changes. He's got his priorities straight. He definitely has my vote.

For several reasons:

A true dedication to community service and assistance for the downtrodden, both public and private.  He puts his time and money where his mouth is.

He has inspired many young people I know who, previously, had little to no active involvement in politics.

Lastly, he's got the overall intelligence and leadership, not only shown by his advanced standing in his profession, but also by his personality in day-to-day activities.

Both are very qualified; I voted for no endorsement. The voters really can't lose with these two.

I believe that Rip Sullivan is the best candidate to win the 34th district as a Democrat.  While Margi is experienced, so is Rip.  As a member of the McLean Community for over 30 years, I feel that Rip knows (and will ultimately do) what's best for the 34th District.  That is because he has raised four wonderful children, coached and mentored hundreds of others in youth activities, and lived as a member of its community.  These qualities are also supported by the tremendous professional work of Rip's, from helping the less fortunate to protecting our rights as active consumers.

Overall Rip is a well-educated and well-respected (by both his professional peers and his community) active father who will do the best job representing the 34th District.

Rip is a very hard working, intelligent and articulate candiate.  He is one of the most dedicated individuals that I know.  He is not afraid to take on issues while at the same time carries a moral compass and the ability to think outside the box.  Keep up the great work Rip!  JP

I have known the Sullivan family for quite some time (Rip's son, Ryan, is one of my best friends).  I have never encountered a more loving and genuinely good group of people; it's almost disgusting actually.  Although I am 18 I will not be able to vote for Rip because I do not live in the district.  However, I will tell you that I would do anything for the Sullivan's because I know they would do anything for me.  And because of this, I know that Rip Sullivan will stop at nothing to serve the 34th district to the best of his ability.

What is that, 181 or so?  And it's 12:25 AM on Tuesday.

When does the voting stop, Lowell? 

Just read where it says it'll be ending.  My bad.

I voted for Rip because he will be a great representative for his district (also my district) in Richmond. He is, and each of his four children will be, a graduate of a local public high school, which in this area qualifies him as a native son.  He is bright, personable, extremely hardworking, and quite well respected within the legal community not only for the quality of his client representation but also for his extensive pro bono work on behalf of the poor.  In his leadership positions, Rip does the hard work, tackles the hard issues, makes the hard decisions, and is a concensus-builder.

Rip is serious, thoughtful, articulate and humble, and he is more than capable of winning this house seat for the Dems if we will support him in the primary.

Please give him your vote today.

As a middle of the road voter, I think Rip Sullivan is most capable of building the coalition in Richmond that will be necessary to get anything accomplished.  The Republicans have been preventing progress the last few years and that has to change. However, they are not going to disappear.  Although we are fortunate that both candidates are highly qualified, I think Rip's candid and non-confrontational approach is most likely to succeed in finding consensus in the middle. Compromise should be the goal in Richmond, not idealoogue gridlock.  Rip is a persuasive advocate--I'm voting for Rip.

Sullivan is to the left of Vanderhye on almost everything

Vanderhye is the "moderate" and "bridge builder"

but then again I'm an R so take it with a grain of salt :-p

oh and a middle of the road R too

I support Margi because she is the only candidate who relates her experiences to actual issues. For example, when she talks about transportation, she relates her experiences as Gov Warner's and Gov Kaine's appointee on the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority. When she talks about the environment, she refers to her appointment on the Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance Board.

Rip is a good man and it's too bad that two talented people are vying for this position. Wish that one of the candidates lived in Dave Albo's district.

MJW

I consider a vote for RIP to be a vote for me, my family, and my neighbors.  Its for safe streets, good schools, and reduced traffic congestion.  Give Governor Kaine a vote in the Assembly that will be a solid vote for the Commonwealth!
Sven

There is not a more a more family-oriented candidate nor a brighter, more principled human being than Rip Sullivan. Not to vote for Rip is akin to blasphemy - he is that obviously the best candidate.  In addition, there is no finer family than the Sullivans, who support one another unconditionally - but always with grace and humor - and who participate actively, productively, and meaningfully in the community at large.  This is a first rate group of people, and Rip personifies all that is good about them.

that both Rip and Margi are wonderful people with wonderful families.  Now, can you tell us why Rip would make a better candidate and a better delegate than Margi Vanderhye?  Please provide specifics, beyond "blasphemy."  Thanks.

I have known Margi and her family for 17 years.  She is family-oriented, bright, principled and has raised a fine family.  I suspect that the same could be said (or one day will be said) about many of us.  These characteristics are important, but do not alone qualify someone for delegate.

  I support Margi because she knows Richmond politics, has been active and successful in Va. politics and policy matters for most of her adult life, and has the experience and expertise to get the job done in Richmond for NoVa. Margi is ready to devote herself to the task of a delegate. She will give 100% of her time and talent to being a delegate.

Margi is an expert on Northern Virginia transportation issues, knows the politics of transportation and is a long time member of the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority; she already knows how to work with the elected politicians in Virginia through her work in politics; and she was a working and contributing member of the commissions to which she was appointed to by Governors Warner, Kaine and Wilder and President Clinton (as an aside I saw Gov. Warner introduce Margi as the next delegate for the 34th district at a Virginia NARAL meeting). With her experience, Margi already knows how business is done in the General Assembly.

1) They are both qualified and great candidates, but when tied, I'd rather have another woman in Richmond.

2) Margi has been working hard and I think she'll appeal to more voters.

3)  Dannyboy supports Rip so he must be more conservative.

Margi is the one.

Not Gretchen

If you follow Dannyboy's comment's on NLS he always seems to support Democrats, but Republican ideals and principles.  Seems like a logical conclusion that he agrees more with Rip.

My reasoning for supporting Rip, NGB, is pretty simple.  I think he can raise more money.  That's my only reasoning.  I wouldn't consider either candidate to be particularly conservative.

I love how wherever you go, NGB, you take the time to try to insinuate that I'm such a bad Democrat.  Is your life really so dull that you feel the need to do that?

If that were the case, Jim Mitchell would have been an excellent candidate, but that turned out to be completely false.  So your premise is wrong.  If it were 200K to 0 it might matter, but that's just not true.

I find it amusing to pick on you because you are all over the map.

As everybody here has said, both Margi and Rip look like good candidates.  In fact, I see very little difference EXCEPT money.  Give them both the same amount of cash, I thnik they'd both do equally well.  Therefore, I think whoever raises more can probably do a better job.  I think Rip can raise more.

And how is holding a few conservative views all over the map?  I just believe that one party stance won't work everywhere, and to each his own in the individual districts.  In conservative districts, you have to be willing to support more conservative-leaning Democrats, and vice-versa in liberal districts.  We are all united by the fact we believe that the government is a force for good, not a necessary evil.  Whether we hold a few conservative social views or we're all extreme left is secondary to that common purpose.

some people just don't understand that.  we have lots of different shades, but we're all blue.

It's much nicer than the small tent, especially when you want to fit more than half the country in there! :)

and I'm all for the big tent.

I'm just pointing out that he seems to be right-wing on multiple issues, so it seems the better Democrat might be the one he's not supporting.

on the issues between Margi and Rip?  If so, can you let us know, because I'm not aware of them.  Thanks.

Seemed similar issue wise on debate. 

So if somebody who disagrees with me is a "better Democrat", what does that make me?  Am I a "worse Democrat" than you, or anybody else here?

I've known Margi ever since I met her at a Chuck Robb fundraiser in 1994.  She's been involved in a lot of offical things, including the National Capital Planning Commission (as a Presidential appointee) and a number of transportation boards at the state and regional levels.  She's also a creator of the safe prom night program - Project Hospitality - that has saved lives through community cooperation.  She knows how to work and form coalitions on all levels (public and private, local and regional), a skill that's essential to address the scale of problems we face in responding to transportation, energy, and climate issues. 

She's also well plugged-in politically, having worked for and with the leading Democrats in Northern Virginia, the state, and at the Federal level. 

That combination says to be me she knows what has to be done, she knows how it has to be done, and she knows how to work with the people who can get it done.  She's a clear-headed moderate with a great family.  I'm supporting her with enthusiasm.

I cannot find where we actually vote!?  Help.

right under the RK logo and the menu box.

Can anyone tell me if there is any substantive difference between these two candidates on GLBT issues?  It's been hard to find that information, and of course I am interested in those issues.

I watched a debate clip but didn't hear anything on it.  Then again, I haven't paid too much attention since I don't live in the district.

Thanks!

From his live blog on RK:

"2) It is unconscionable that our friends in the LGBT community are not entitled to the same rights and protections my wife and I are simply because we happen to be a woman and man.  I was tremendously disappointed last year when the amendment passed, writing discrimination into our state constitution.  Regardless of what we have to call it to make it happen, we need legal recognition of same-sex partnerships."

link:http://www.raisingka...

I vote for Margi.

I have known Rip for a mere two years, and Margi not at all. I am a lawyer and my chief professional interest is making our system of justice accessible to all, on equal terms, regardless of income or other conditions.  Rip is a strong advocate for this vision on the State Bar's board of directors, the Bar Council, and he has the people skills to make things happen. 

Although I do not live in this district, I have a few comments.

First of all, everyone should be aware of the fact that the primary is only the first stage. The actual target is to win in November. Thus, not only a candidate's political views as seen by a democrat have to be considered, but also the ability to win undecided or even non-democrat voters in the actual election. This ability may depend on money raised, on contacts, and on the ability to persuade people without having to talk them into something. For me, this is the first reason to vote for Rip. As he has pointed out repeatedly, his work for the National Institute for Peace included a lot of just that - making people who are on a completely different side believe in your goals. His success in fundraising further shows that, although (or maybe because) he might not have been exactly "in" politics before, Rip has the important ability to spark a wide interest for his values and his work. (I think it is fair not to count Margi's own donation of 50k in this respect.)

Second, I don't think you need to be rooted deep within the Democratic party activity in order to be a good delegate. What you need most is the same skill as above:  make other people work for his goals, on his side. The work he has done for Homestretch and the Peace Institute will resolve all doubts in this regard. And while some bloggers have commented that his job, his kids or his pro bono work are not connected to his election, I disagree. All of his work and his personal situation clearly show that he is aware of the major problems of (not only) this district or Virginia as a whole. He shows a great deal of empathy and the will and power to change things for the better. His job as a lawyer also provides him with a thorough understanding of how legislation actually can work and how it can't, and also a lot of experience with the stressful and complicated task of legal discussions.

As it was pointed out several times, the actual political positions of Margi and Rip are very similar in most regards. This is what makes me think that the above are the most important reasons to vote for Rip.

The debate was a culmination of all the issues discussed previously so far with a little more passion and detail thrown in by both candidates.... the hour long debate video is waiting for final processing by Google... if I am to use their habits so far as a basis for a guess, it will be well after noon until I get an URL for the show.... sorry for the delay, there were some conversion from tape to DVD problems around mid-night.... among other things, I fell asleep....

Practical, patient, thoughtful, hard working, dedicated.  Rip will serve all of us well.

I have known Rip since high school (Langley '77), where he was our diligent
and diplomatic class president, an inspiring scholar and a solid gentleman
(even as a teen!).  I worked a number of years in Richmond, for and with
Northern Virginia legislators (Bob Andrews, Vince Callahan, Ken Plum, Clive
Duval, and others).  I know and respect south side Virginia, and the challenges
of counting and matching votes.  Rip will fit superbly into this scene, and
provide the stable, long-term and progressive representation we need to help
maintain and improve the quality of life in Northern Virginia.

Please join me in supporting Rip Sullivan for Delegate.  Thank you,

Jim Wilson
Arlington, Virginia